Anne Robert Jacques Turgot

Anne Robert Jacques Turgot (18 June 1727-18 March 1781) was a French economist and statesman who served as Controller-General of Finance from 24 August 1774 to 12 May 1776. He is often considered to be the "French Adam Smith".

Biography
Anne Robert Jacques Turgot was born in Paris, France on 18 June 1727, and he was born into an aristocratic family. He frequented salons during the Enlightenment and became a student of Voltaire, and he became Limoges' tax collector in 1761. In 1766, he wrote Reflexions, advocating free trade and laissez faire, making him the "French Adam Smith". From 1774 to 1776, he managed France's finances, but he offended the nobility and was fired in 1776. He would also serve as Minster of the Navy, but forged letters attacking Queen Marie Antoinette led to Turgot's downfall. He died in 1781 at the age of 53.